While this particular battle was generally a more one-sided affair before the arrival of Abu Dhabi money in Manchester, recent iterations of the fixture have been blockbuster, must-see spectacles.
As the two sides have battled for title after title in the Premier League under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola, clashes between the Reds and the Cityzens have thrown up some incredble storylines.
Liverpool 6-0 Man City – October 1995
Back when Liverpool victories in this fixture were much more certain, the Reds enjoyed a particularly fruitful afternoon against Man City during the 1995/96 season.
Alan Ball’s side travelled to Anfield knowing they were unlikely to overcome the Reds, but falling two goals behind within five minutes set them on their way to a mauling on Merseyside.
Goals from Ian Rush and a deflected effort from Jamie Redknapp put Liverpool in cruise control despite them not being able to add to their lead before half-time.
However, four goals in 17 second-half minutes left Man City reeling, Rush adding to his earlier goal alongside a Robbie Fowler brace and a Neil Ruddock header.
Liverpool 3-2 Man City – April 2014
There have been countless classics between these two teams in recent years, but the Liverpool-Man City rivalry was truly ignited during the 2013/14 season.
With Brendan Rodgers’ Reds fighting for a surprise Premier League title, a visit from third-placed Man City with five games to play could have proved pivotal in the race for the top.
Early goals from future Man City star Raheem Sterling and defender Martin Skrtel gave Liverpool a two-goal cushion at the break, but David Silva and a Glen Johnson own goal pegged the hosts back.
However, up stepped Philippe Coutinho with 78 minutes played, the diminutive Brazilian firing an exquisite effort beyond Joe Hart to lift the roof off Anfield.
Unfortunately for the Reds, Steven Gerrard’s slip and an infamous evening at Crystal Palace would derail their title charge, with Man City muscling their way to a second Premier League crown.
Man City 5-0 Liverpool – September 2017
Guardiola’s largest win over Klopp came when Liverpool travelled to the Etihad at the start of the 2017/18 season. Despite the Reds’ resurgence under the German, they were no match for Man City.
Of course, Liverpool did themselves no favours, Sadio Mane getting himself sent off for a high boot on Ederson with the hosts already a goal ahead.
Gabriel Jesus then grabbed a brace either side of half-time before Leroy Sane’s double rubbed salt in Liverpool’s gaping wounds.
An emphatic win for the Cityzens, who would go on to lift their first Premier League title under Guardiola – even managing to amass 100 points for the first and only time in the competition’s history.
Liverpool 4-3 Man City – January 2018
While Man City would stroll to the title, Liverpool would get their revenge for the 5-0 defeat at the Etihad earlier in the season. The eventual champions hadn’t lost a Premier League game all campaign, but they would fall to defeat in a seven-goal thriller at Anfield.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s wonderful effort from outside the box would give Liverpool the lead, although Sane popped up with a near-post equaliser before the break.
However, three goals in eight minutes would change the game in the second half.
Roberto Firmino outmuscled John Stones before dinking over the onrushing Ederson, Mane then doubling Liverpool’s advantage with a ferocious left-footed strike from the edge of the area. Mohamed Salah would then give the Reds a three-goal lead after caressing home an effort from 40 yards following Ederson’s poor clearance.
Despite late goals from Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan, Man City couldn’t pull off a remarkable comeback.
Man City 2-1 Liverpool – January 2019
After Man City won the title by 19 points in the previous campaign, the 2018/19 season was far more competitive in the English top flight.
Liverpool travelled to the Etihad seven points clear of Man City in early January, knowing a victory would put them ten points ahead in pursuit of a first league title.
The Reds thought they had taken an early lead in Manchester, the ball 1.12cm away from crossing the line before Stones hooked the it clear after his own poor clearance had nearly surrendered the lead. Sergio Aguero gave Man City a one-goal advantage shortly afterwards, punishing Liverpool’s bad luck.
While Firmino did briefly level the scores, Sane proved to be the thorn in Liverpool’s side once more after he fired a fierce effort beyond Alisson to give Man City a crucial victory.
Given Guardiola’s side won the title by just a single point, Sane’s goal was ultimately the difference.
Liverpool vs Man City – Complete H2H record
- Games played: 224
- Liverpool wins: 108
- Draws: 56
- Man City wins: 60
Liverpool vs Man City – Premier League H2H record
- Games played: 52
- Liverpool wins: 21
- Draws: 19
- Man City wins: 12
